Visit to the DMV.

Em worked until 12:30 today so I caught up on some blogging and housework. We had left over turkey burgers for lunch then headed out to renew Em's car registration. I have to blog that because it was somewhat of an experience. :-)

We got to the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) which is a small boutique sized shop tucked amongst variety shops. We walked in and it seemed we were instantly cast back to the 80's. The office possessed a vague but distinct stale cigarette smoke scent, unusual in any store nowadays but especially so given it was a government office.

Signs warned that no cell phones were to be used within the office, either while seated or in line. I wondered where the medical equipment might be because surely that could be the only reason for barring the use of our most common and prolific communication device. I then spied the cashiers and figured that maybe the medical device was in one lady's body, given her historical age. I say this tongue in cheek, of course. :-)

Seriously though, the woman would have slotted quite nicely in a 1940's black and white film, wearing a net hat, long gloves, white veil dress with her puckered lips inhaling cigarette smoke via a long tapered holder. Instead, here she was in present time, hunched over the counter of a DMV office, dead-panning to a man about his licensing requirements.

While we waited to be served, like customers in a fish and chip shop, we stood in a queue that extended right to the door. Given the small size of the shop, that line wasn't too long, a dozen or so people maybe. Even so, it was too much for a significantly heavy man before us who, either through inactivity or illness, could not stand for longer than a few minutes. He bore a pained expression and retreated to a chair while his smaller wife kept their place in line.

After a moment, Em asked if I had any cash. I did, but wondered why she would ask while we stood in line. She explained that the DMV (at least this office) doesn't have electronic banking and recalled getting caught out the last time she came to pay her renewal. I saw the sign for myself then, a small white square of paper with black print that stated that only cheques or cash would be accepted. I could hardly believe my eyes, and my impression of being cast back 30 or so years was reinforced.

Given that the previous night Em had attempted to pay her renewal online, and failed because she didn't live in the right county, I had to express my bemusement that such an advanced country should have such an antiquated system for vehicle registration renewal. And, what's with accepting a cheque but not a credit card!? Sometimes, this country presents such fierce contradictions that the mind boggles.

When we made it to the counter, Em was presented with new registration plates: voila, a new number to replace the one that she had conveniently memorised and now no longer held. I think our system of windscreen stickers is easier... and VicRoads accepts online payment! ;-)

All in all, the experience was pleasant and the staff courteous. Oh, and another sign said that no firearms were to be carried in the building. Ha! Only in America! :-)

Grocery shopping was next, then the gym and home for dinner - fish and veggies. We spent the remainder of the night looking at photos that we'd taken. It was a quiet day, but just as enjoyable as if we'd spent the day exploring. On days like today, I feel like a local. :-)